Spending Cut Struggles

Republicans in the U.S. House promised to cut $100-billion in spending their first year. But no matter how you calculate it, their proposed reductions are coming up short. And with the federal deficit running at $1.5-trillion, even the elusive $100-billion would be nowhere close to balancing the budget.

GOP freshmen are holding their leaders' feet to the fire. For example, because the bill fails to de-fund Obamacare, an amendment to do that is expected on the House floor.

What about the other party? Most Congressional Democrats take joy in the GOP struggle to reduce spending—but they're not willing to help.

Old habits die hard in Washington. Nobody ever said spending cuts would be easy; they only said it would be worth it.

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